From your description I would assume you have a DOHC. The UK SOHC bikes here are typically Z-models and it seems there had been only a few.

I first would try to turn it over by hand on the crankshaft to get an idea of that engine. If it should be blocked, don't use force but better open it. Sticking rings may get free by force, however on the cost of their grooves in the piston being damaged. This will end up in stuck rings (poor compression, high oil consumption).

Brakes are an issue, too. Replace the brake fluid, from the colour and consistency of the stuff coming out there you get an idea how it looks like inside.

Thanks for the welcome guys, I am fairly well versed mechanically with cars but have only done brakes, sprockets and chain on a bike before.

So expect a lot of questions on how to......

For starters how do i turn it over manually? Is there someplace i can stick a socket on to turn the engine? How do i get to it?

I haven't got a chain for it, so i can't drop it into gear and turn the back wheel to see if everything moves.

My previous bike experience was on '96 zx6r, but me and the wife were in a pretty serious accident on it a few years ago so now i am not allowed a sports bike, i am very lucky she is letting me try and get this one on the road . I am soo looking forward to getting back on 2 wheels and i want something that i can ride all day, being a taller fella i couldn't ride the ninja for more than an hour without having to get off and walk around for half an hour just to unkink myself

For the SOHC, remove the right crankshaft cover. Then you can turn the crankshaft with a 24mm socket.

Basically you could also remove the left crankshaft cover (containing the stator) and turn the engine with the bolt that holds the alternator rotor. It is a usual right-hand bolt but it should not release from turning the engine. But don't turn at the rotor itself. For the SOHC there will come no oil, not sure for DOHC however!

The rotor bolt is probably better at an engine of unknown status as the 24mm on the right side looks stronger as it is. But keep an eye on the oil plug below the crankshaft. It should not pop out from slow turning, but might from cranking with the starter and certainly will when running without the cover. Mess of oil! (All this for SOHC)